Quick tips: Understanding best before dates to reduce food waste

By Katelyn Marie Poyntz

Did you know that 58% of all the food produced in Canada is lost or wasted and that 47% of that is wasted at the consumer level? Yes, that means you’re contributing to the problem too!

So what can you do about it? Along with the other tips and tricks we share for preventing food waste in your home, you can fight food waste by understanding best before and expiry dates.

Here’s the scoop:

• “Best before” does not mean “expiry”!
• Best before dates are unregulated and are chosen by manufacturers.
• Milk and dairy can be consumed up to 2 weeks past the best before date.
• Canned goods, shelf stable condiments (mustard, ketchup, jam, soy sauce), frozen microwave meals and meats, and shelf stable snacks (chips, granola bars, cookies) can actually be consumed for up to 1 year after the best before date!
• Only 5 types of food have expiry dates: formulated liquid diets, pharmacist sold diet supplements, meal replacements, nutritional supplements, and infant formula.

How much food have you thrown out without knowing this? 😲

---

*This post is based on content that was originally posted on Wylderr.